Non-Contact Torque Sensor for Unmodified Composite Shafts and Non-Ferrous Metal Shafts

CAMX Power proposes to develop and demonstrate a non-contact sensor capable of measuring the torque, speed and position of unmodified shafts made of virtually any material. The multifunction shaft sensor (MFSS) will measure the torque-induced twist in the shaft using optical methods to determine precise rotational position at two points along the axis of the shaft. The proposed base program consists of creating a vetted system architecture, including electro-optical system design, signal processing, and data fusion algorithms; building a sensor prototype capable of operation at reduced speeds; and demonstrating the ability to sense position, speed, and torque on CAMX's existing torque sensor test platform. The goal of the proposed option is to progress towards an advanced prototype capable of operation at full rotational speed.